Playa Tortugas

The basics

Many catamaran and snorkeling tours depart from the marina at Playa Tortugas, providing a scenic view of the beach from the water. For a day on the sand at Playa Tortugas, you can easily travel from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone (Avenida Kukulkan) via buses that run along Avenida Kukulcan. When you are ready for a break from the sun, enjoy a tequila tasting or dine at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Things to know before you go

• There is no entrance fee as this is a public beach.

• The bus on Avenida Kukulcan makes many stops along Playa Tortugas. You can take it back to the Hotel Zone by crossing to the other side of the street, away from the beach.

• Pay attention to signs about swimming conditions.

• The beach is open 24 hours a day.

How to get there

Playa Tortugas is located between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. Many hotels have shuttles that can take you there, or you can book a taxi. The R1 bus route operates along Avenida Kukulcan from early morning to late night daily, and the one-way fare is 12 pesos cash.

When to get there

Playa Tortugas is a public beach that can get quite crowded, especially in the afternoon. Plan to arrive in the morning to stake out your spot away from the crowds. The beach often stays busy through the early evening, when more of a party vibe takes over.

Other beaches in Cancun

There's no shortage of stunning beaches in Cancun. Playa Chac Mool isn’t far from Playa Tortugas, and has a more relaxing atmosphere than some of Cancun's other beaches. Families will enjoy Playa Langosta for its shallow beach and playground, while Playa Marlin in the Hotel Zone offers plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby.